Rita’s words poured out in a torrent of fury. She took a step forward, her chest heaving as she continued, “You’re just jealous of Leah! Jealous of her better upbringing, her superior family, and, most of all, jealous that my brother chose her over you! That’s why you jumped at the first chance to retaliate against her. Honestly, it’s a blessing my brother left you. Marrying a spiteful woman like you would’ve brought nothing but ruin to this family!”
“Rita, that’s enough,” Leah interjected gently, tugging at Rita’s arm as though trying to calm her. Leah’s voice carried the soft tremor of someone deeply wronged, her eyes flicking to Corrine with an air of wounded innocence.
“It’s all in the past now, and, truthfully, I made mistakes too. Miss Holland, if my presence or Bruce’s choices caused you any resentment, then I’ll bear the blame. This is all my fault…”
Corrine’s eyes turned colder, cutting Leah off mid-sentence with icy precision.
“Yes, it is your fault,” she snapped, her voice devoid of sympathy.
“All of this-you brought it on yourself.”
Rita’s anger reignited.
“What exactly do you mean? You’re clearly the one at fault! You knew my brother loved Leah, yet you desperately clung to him, dreaming of marriage. Your abandonment was entirely justified!”
A sharp, calculating glint emerged in Corrine’s narrowed eyes.
“You have a point. I deserved being abandoned. But since I was cast aside, shouldn’t I also reclaim the investors I painstakingly brought to the Ashton family?”
Years ago, when the Ashton family teetered on the brink of financial ruin, Corrine had worked tirelessly to secure critical investments. Her efforts had not only saved the family but elevated them to become Lyhaton’s new elite.
Tracy, acutely aware of this history, had long been wary of Corrine’s potential leverage. She had cultivated relationships with the investors’ wives, but she also understood that in their world, loyalty was purely transactional. If Corrine presented more attractive incentives, who could guarantee their allegiance wouldn’t shift?
With calculated composure, Tracy interjected, “Enough. Since this is all in the past, why resurrect these painful memories?”
Her tone adopted the patronizing cadence of a benevolent elder.
“Emotions aren’t always rational. What happened at the wedding was indeed a bit inappropriate on Bruce’s part. If you harbor any grievances, feel free to make demands. We’ll do our best to accommodate you.”
“A bit inappropriate…” A mocking smile curled Corrine’s lips. On her wedding day, she had been publicly abandoned, subjected to the guests’ scornful ridicule, and now received this tepid acknowledgment. A mere excuse: “a bit inappropriate.”
Corrine drew a deep breath, suppressing the resentment churning within her chest. Today was Farris’ eightieth birthday, and she refused to create a scene that might upset him
“I’m going to wish Farris a happy birthday,” she announced, rising from her seat.
Seeing her prepare to leave, Tracy quickly stood as well.
“Since you’re back, why not stay for a meal?”
The invitation was transparently hollow. With the Ashton family now prospering and the guest list populated by wealthy, influential individuals, there was no genuine place for a woman of Corrine’s modest background.
Hearing Tracy’s invitation, Corrine paused, reflecting on the past. Farris hosted a lavish birthday party every year for the past three years, and Corrine’s absence was always noticeable. The Ashtons worried about possible rumors regarding her background, so they kept their distance.
Now, why would they suddenly extend an invitation for dinner?
Narrowing her eyes, she peered at Tracy with suspicion.
“How thoughtful, Mrs. Ashton. But no, thanks.”
Tracy noticed Corrine’s cold and determined demeanor, a flicker of irritation crossing her face.
“Even if you hold grievances against me, I’m trying to make amends. Can’t you accept this gesture of goodwill?”
“Many in this world might talk about goodwill toward me, but the Ashton family is the last that should,” Corrine said coldly, turning away.
The way she saw it, the Ashton family owed her far more than she ever owed them. Her childhood, marked by hardship, made her skeptical of others’ kindness, remembering each act, whether sincere or obligatory.
When the Ashtons faced adversity, Corrine had been the one to step up. However, her three years of unwavering support were trivialized, and her genuine affection for Bruce was dismissed as a desperate act of clinging to him. Since she had cut ties with Bruce, any possibility of reconciliation with his family had been utterly dissolved.
Had Farris not reached out personally, she would never have considered revisiting the Ashton family home.
With no sentimental ties holding her back, Corrine walked toward Farris’ favored spot in the garden. Seeking peace over chaos, Farris often escaped to the quiet garden where he could relax in a wicker chair, listen to music, and enjoy his coffee.
As Corrine approached the small garden, she spotted Farris from a distance, seated in his usual spot, holding a birdcage and playing with his beloved pet parrot. This parrot was a special gift from Corrine years ago, and Farris had cared for it ever since. The parrot’s vibrant feathers highlighted the careful attention it received.
“Miss Holland, you’ve arrived at last. Mr. Farris Ashton spent the morning speaking of nothing else,” a maid said to Corrine, her face brightening with a smile.
Upon her arrival, Farris abandoned his birdcage and stood up, his hand waving in warm welcome.
“Ah, you’re here at last, my dear! I’ve been eagerly awaiting your visit.”
A series of coughs escaped him as he gripped his fist gently.
“Are you alright?” Corrine asked.
“It’s just an old problem,” he said, calming her concern with a slight nod
“I know my own body. It’s nothing serious, nothing that’s going to take me anytime soon.”
“Don’t say such things, please!” Corrine’s voice was sharp as she gave him a stern look.
“It’s your birthday; such words are unlucky.”
Farris’ laughter filled the room, and he touched her hand reassuringly, his smile dimming.
“I’ve heard about what happened between you and Bruce. I’m not asking for forgiveness on anyone’s behalf, just that you find it in you to move past it without too much burden.”
Corrine returned his smile, touched by his concern.
“I had been wondering how to approach the subject, but you’ve made it easier by mentioning it,” she said as she pulled a red box from her bag and opened it to reveal a jade bracelet with stunning clarity.
“Since Bruce and I are no longer together, I think it’s only right that this goes back to its original owner.”
Farris’ expression turned somber as he looked at the bracelet. Instead of happiness, a weight seemed to settle on his heart. He sighed deeply.
“My dear, I’ve watched all you’ve done for the past three years. The Ashton family is in your debt, and Bruce even more so, a debt he can’t ever repay. You should keep this bracelet. Consider it a token from me, something to remember me by.”
Corrine shook her head decisively.
“If I were unaware of this bracelet’s profound family significance, I might have kept it. But knowing its extraordinary meaning, why should I hold onto something that doesn’t truly belong to me?” The Ashton family held no nostalgic memories for her. If there was anything she found difficult to relinquish, it was undoubtedly the bond she had with Farris.
During her three years with the Ashtons, she had endured countless moments of coldness. But Farris-being nearly her grandfather’s age-had genuinely cared for her, consistently considering her needs and feelings. Farris understood Corrine intimately, recognizing that once she committed to a decision, her resolve remained unshakeable.
He sighed softly, a rueful smile playing across his weathered features as he retrieved the red box.
“Bruce is truly unfortunate,” he murmured.
Hidden in a corner, Leah watched the jade bracelet in Farris’ hand. Her fingers clenched so tightly that her long nails pierced her skin, yet she felt no physical pain-only the sharp sting of wounded pride. She had gravely underestimated Corrine.
Initially, she had believed that Corrine’s humble background would render her insignificant within the Ashton family, unworthy of any kindness. Never had she expected that Corrine could manipulate Farris into privately entrusting her with such a valuable bracelet. Fortunately, Corrine had the wisdom to return it. Otherwise, retrieving the bracelet would have demanded considerable effort on her part.
Composing herself, Leah stepped forward, her lips curved into a bright, calculated smile.
“Farris,” she greeted
Farris’ smile diminished slightly at her arrival, his tone cool and distant.
“You’re here.”
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.